Comments for 215914 Start/stop issue

If the compressors cylinder/piston was belt driven via an electric motor I could easily replace the motor. Unfortunately it's all one unit, sort of a direct drive type and finding a replacement is just out of the question. Time for an upgrade, going to try the HF Central Pneumatic 29gal 2hp #61489. Thanks for the help.

Sep 27, 2016

RE: 215914by: Bruce

Well it seems one of the problems was with one of the motor brush springs. Instead of a normal coiled compression type spring they have a piece of flat steel that is rolled into a coil... like if you rolled up a piece of pager and you unwind it will roll back together.

Well anyway, one spring was not holding the brush in all the way. As soon as the motor would start the brush would be pushed away from the rotor and (the spring being weak) would not always be able to push it back. Also, the brush on the weak side was noticeably longer than the other brush owing to less spring pressure.

I jury rigged a tie wrap to hold both springs in firm contact.

The compressor started right up and was running for about five minutes until the tie wrap popped off.

Due to the type of springs and brushes, as well as, the plastic housing involved... I'm not sure if I can make a permanent repair. Oh well, it was worth a shot.

Sep 24, 2016

There is no start capacitorby: Bill

Bruce, thank you both for your knowledge which far supersedes mine when it comes to the electric motor, and for taking the time to update your findings.

I expect many folks will benefit from your persistence and sharing what you find.

Sep 23, 2016

RE: There is no start capacitorby: Bruce

There is no start capacitor, just a circuit with triac and triac output optocoupler. VAC output of circuit board to the motor stays at operational voltage, but motor starts and stops as before.

Sparks coming from motor when it stops. Took motor apart... winding's on rotor assy near commutator look dark as if over heated.

Looking as if there is a problem in the windings. I'll try an isolate the problem if possible at bench test.

Beginning to look like it's the end of the road for this compressor. (I guess I shouldn't have run it on those 90+ degree days).

Sep 22, 2016

RE: 215914by: Bruce

Traced all the wiring to and from compressor motor... there is no start cap (at least in the conventional sense). The only cap I have found is on the circuit board. It's about the size of my little fingernail. Unless you have access to the schematic for this model, I am at a standstill.

Sep 22, 2016

RE: 215914by: Bruce

Well, muscled the plastic shroud off... bent a couple fan blades in the process but should be able to easily bend them back in place on install. Result, nothing there except a fuse which was intact. Back to looking for Capacitor. I just don't see any.

Sep 22, 2016

RE: 215914by: Bruce

Removed mounting screws for digital control panel. Removed mounting bolts for compressor/motor. I do not see a start cap anywhere. The only place I think it could be is under the plastic shroud at the rear of the motor. But my problem now is, the fan plate attached to a shaft at the rear won't allow me to pull the shroud off. The fan looks pressed into grooved channels/ridges/splines on the shaft. I don't know how to remove it without damaging the fan. I would attach a photo but I do not see an option to do so.

Sep 22, 2016

RE: 215914by: Bill

I would suggest that you check the cap(s) next.

They don't actually have to melt down to be failing.

There's a page on this site about how to do that.

Please advise if that turns out to be the problem... or not.

Sep 22, 2016

RE: 215914 Start/stopby: Anonymous

Bought compressor new about 5 years ago. Never had a problem with it until now. Not using an extension cord, it's plugged directly into the same 15 amp outlet (supplied by a 15A breaker) I've always used. Plugged compressor into a different 15A outlet on a different breaker, same problem. Measured voltage at both outlets 120VAC.

Sep 22, 2016

215914 Start/stopby: Bill

New condition or new compressor with this problem?

Tell us about where you've got it plugged in and the breaker / fuse amperage of the circuit, please.